Bashar al-Assad and his life of luxury on the Mediterranean coast
On December 8, Syrians saw hope reborn. After more than 13 years of repression against its people, the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell, leaving behind the vestiges of a life of luxury, fueled by numerous illegal activities.
After Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Russia, Syrian residents gradually became aware of the former dictator’s indecent lifestyle. It was in Latakia, a Syrian city on the Mediterranean, that the Assad family’s stronghold stood. There, a luxurious villa with a sea view and a huge blue ceramic swimming pool served as a summer base for the Assad clan. Now, the interior of the building is emptied of all traces of opulence and has been completely looted. When they discovered the place, rebels couldn't hide their indignation: “We knew nothing about all this. When you think that people live without electricity…”
In the city center, traffic was brisk
An old building, right in the city center, was used to hide the family’s illegal activities (including the production of synthetic drugs). The building belonged to one of the sons of one of Bashar Al-Assad’s cousins, part of the family that was also involved in drug trafficking.
(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: France info - Illustration: Unsplash)